Odyssey

Odyssey-Hayley Westerna全球乐界推崇；200万销量天籁女声之全新专辑

Hayley Westenra's new album ODYSSEY was always going to be a different proposition to PURE, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years - and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

PURE, made when Hayley was 15, introduced the world to a unique new voice. Poised, angelic and characterised by its breath-taking natural beauty, her voice won the hearts of millions and enabled PURE to reach some notable landmarks. The album, which has sold two million copies to date, topped the UK classical charts and also went Top Ten in the pop equivalent. In her homeland, it is the biggest-selling New Zealand album of all time. In Japan - where Hayley enjoyed a No. 1 single with Amazing Grace – she was the most popular classical artist of 2004 and won two Japanese Grammies.

For the young songbird, such success was life-transforming. From being a schoolgirl living at home with her parents and siblings in Christchurch, she was suddenly thrust onto the global stage. She performed in front of presidents, prime ministers and royalty. She duetted with Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras, Bryn Terfel and Russell Watson. She also sung live at many prestigious sporting events in the UK, USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of PURE will be pleasantly surprised by her new album ODYSSEY. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

'I was happy with PURE at the time, but I've moved on so much,' says Hayley. 'It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist.’

The stunning worldwide success of PURE has done little to dampen Hayley's hunger or enthusiasm. Punctuating her conversation with infectious laughter, she obviously still loves what she does. She also can't wait to put together a tour combining old and new material.

'It's exciting to have songs that are now part of my own repertoire,' she says. 'It's nice to have a balance between new pieces and tracks that people already know. It would be boring to do a whole album of established songs. It's great to introduce new material to the world.'